For decades, former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson’s job was to inflict as much pain as possible on anyone who challenged him in the ring. Now that he’s retired, Tyson is entering the cannabis industry to help people heal their bodies and minds.

Last week, Iron Mike officially launched Tyson Ranch – a cannabis resort that will soon open in the Mojave Desert.

“It’s a new feeling, but its pretty exciting,” Tyson said at the launch party. He added that he is indebted to medical marijuana for helping him put his body back together after enduring countless injuries as one of the biggest stars in boxing history.

“You know, I’ve been fighting for over 20 years and I have so many aches and pains. If I didn’t have cannabis I don’t know what would have happened.”

Tyson’s testimony isn’t surprising. Contact sports have a high potential for causing brain injuries. And researchers have found that cannabis is not only an effective tool for pain management but also a means of protecting the brain from permanent damage after head injuries have been sustained.

That’s why Tyson became a medical marijuana advocate after hanging up his gloves. But when it comes to consuming cannabis, Tyson can be a bit picky. During the launch event, Iron Mike revealed his cannabis preferences, telling reporters that he is “not an edibles person.”